Ventilated cap



M. S. KAYE VENTILATED CAP Jan. 2, 1940.

Filed March 20, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet l g1vulz/wilom MILTON s. KAYE abhor/M1 M. s. KA YE VENTILATED CAP Jan. 2, 1940.

Filed March 20, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 MILTON S. K AYE the provision of Patented Jan. 2, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 7 2,185,670 a 1 VENTILATED one Milton S. Kaye, Dorchester, Mass. Application March 20, 1939, Serial No. 262389 I 1 Claim.

This invention relates in general to the class of headwear commonly known as caps and deals, more particularly, with uniform cap-s of the type worn by firemen, policemen, trainmen, service men, etc., and other persons in uniform.

A primary object of the invention is for the provision ofuniform cap constructions of the character described comprising an improved form of foundation constructed of fabricated cane strips or the like woven in a special, relatively coarse, interlocked mesh to provide a. frame of rigid open work design and which is unusually light in weight and especially suitable for ventilation purposes.

Another principal object of the invention is for various uniformcap constructions in which the frame is simple, light in weight,

readily constructed and possessed of a rigidity and resilience capable of resisting blows and crushing strains-taking place in the use of caps of this character and otherwise adapted to retain the original shape of a cap and eliminate possibility of distortion-thereof.

Still another primary purpose of the invention is to simplify the construction of such uniform caps in the use of an improved form of frame which is fabricated from a minimum of material and which is inexpensive, strong and durable, and

' enables the provision'o-f a fully ventilated cap construction that is exceedingly light in weight and especially adaptedfor retaining the permanency-of the original shape of the cap over a long period of service and use.

A more specific object of the invention is for the provision of a ventilated uniform cap in which the frame is formedin a simple,inexpensive onepiece structure comprising a coarse, substantially interlocked mesh of pairs of horizontal and. ver-. tical cane. strands in spaced relation providing anopen-work type of basal band portion for the cap, .with the crown portion thereof fashioned from the upper ends of the spacedvertical strands by bending or expanding the sameasnecessary to provide the desired flare to such crown portion for any selected shape or form of cap con struction.

A still further object is a cap wherein such a form of cane frame is provided with reinforcing means arranged to retain the shape of the cap against stretching or distortion and with the crown thereof also reinforced to prevent sagging or warping thereof in such a manner. as to ensure maximum service and wearing qualities together with a highly efflcient ventilating arrangement for cooling purposes as for the provision of well as permitting of ready circulation of airv through the crown of the hat above the headof the wearer.

Still another object contemplates the provision of a cap construction embodying an improved form of cane frame of the character deproceeds with reference to .the accompanying,

drawings in which like reference. characters designate like parts throughout the same, and in which: i r

Fig. 1 is a perspectivevview showing one form of the improved cap construction of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of theimproved cane frame per se; I

Fig. 3 is an enlarged elevational view of a portion of the frame illustrating in detail the weave of the cane strands thereof;

v Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view through a por tion of the cane frame;

the improved cap construction of the invention, part of the cap body being broken away to show the details of the construction thereof;

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view similar to Fig. 5 of another form of the invention comprising a combination braid and cloth covering for the cap; and, v a

Fig. '7 is a similar side elevational view of a further form of the invention embodying another combination of braid and cloth covering for the cap. 1

In the manufacture of the various forms of uniform caps in accordance with the present invention, there isemployed aresilient, open work frame or foundation having spring-like characteristics and capable of being readily fashioned as necessary for any selected bell-crown form of uniform cap construction to provide a lightweight, sanitary cap which is fully ventilated and which will always retain its original form and shape even though it becomes wet or is subject to bending and crushing strains incidental to the use of headwear of this character.

I Although the various form pfn the invention 30 Fig. 5 is a side elevational of another form of show the bell crown, fiat-topped types of uniform caps, it will be understood that the teachings herein are equally adaptable to the construction of many other selected forms of headwear embodying various changes and modifications in the finish and ornamentation thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

One of the principal improvements of the invention resides in the provision of a fully ventilated foundation or frame comprising a basal band and crown portion provided from a suitable blank composed of strands of split cane, ratan, or the like woven in a special form to produce a fully ventilated cap construction which, in addition to being light in weight, strong and durable, has numerous other advantages over similar cap constructions heretofore available. While the use of ordinary cane material is preferred because it is resilient, light in weight as well as strong and durable, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the use of such material. Generally speaking, the improved cane frame is provided from a one-piece section of woven cane ma terial comprising vertical strips in pairs meshed in interwoven relation with pairs of horizontal Y strands to provide not only a light weight frame but also, one with ventilating spaces of the largest possible practical size and with the strands thereof substantially interlocked against displacement by reason of the aforesaid interwoven relation of the pairs of vertical and horizontal strips of cane, or the like.

Referring now more'particularly to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows one form of cap of the present invention comprising a crown portion designated generally I and a basal band portion 2, the lower edge of which is preferably provided with a finish binding 3 and has secured thereto in any suitable manner a visor 4. A sweatband 5 is secured along the inner face of the basal band portion in any selected or desirable manner but preferably by hand or machine stitching.

The frame [0, Fig. 2, comprises a substantial skeleton body constructed of circumferentially extending pairs of generally horizontally disposed cane strips or strands II in spaced relation, interwoven with pairs of vertica ly extending strips l2, also in spaced relation, as illustrated in detail in Fig. 3, to form a substantially rigid, open work type of design for the basal portion or substantial lower half of the frame. Suitable extended portions [3 of the pairs of vertical strips extend free initially and are fashioned in substantial convergent, divergent relation as shown in providing the desired flare and shape of the crown portion, as presently to be described. The general character of the blank from which the frame. is made is best seen in Fig. 3 and such a blank is usually provided in the manner of a one-piece section severed from a roll of material having a width proximating the necessary height of the frame forming the foundation for the selected form of cap to be produced.

In a roll of material of this character, the horizontal pairs of strips H, Fig. 3, are disposed substantially longitudinally while the pairs of vertical strips l2 extend generally transversely thereof. In this relation, ordinary loosely meshed vertical and horizontal strips would havev the most objectionable and disadvantageous tendency to become displaced from their original and necessary specific formation. However, in accordance with the present invention, in providing such vertical and horizontal strips in spaced pairs with the same interwoven in substantially the manner shown in Fig. 3, a positive, permanent interlocked mesh thereof is obtained in providing a basal band portion which is sufficiently rigid, strong and durable for any reasonable requirement, and in which the spaced cane strips aforesaid are positively retained against any objectionable displacement whatsoever from the original, specific open work design in which the roll of cane is prepared. Thus the framematerial is provided with ventilating openings and air passages of as large a size as may be necessary or desirable in the fabrication of a frame for any ofthe forms of the improved ventilated cap constructions of the invention. The only [cane strand which might possibly be'displaced in the ordinary procedure of handling, is the uppermost horizontal strand I 4-, Fig. 3, and this is readily taken care of by a suitable string or cord l5 weaving in and out of the vertical strands I2 and positioned close to said uppermost horizontal strand Hfor prevent-r ing any possible displacement thereof.

Accordingly, from a roll of cane material of this character, a suitable blank is readily obtained simply by severing therefrom a section corresponding substantially to the circumference of the frame necessary for the selected size cap to be made. The blank thus obtained isformed into a substantial ring configuration by bringing the u ends of the horizontal strips together and fastening the same by any suitable means such as stitching, binding tape, clips, or the like. The height of the frame, as stated, is determined by the width of the material in roll form and, of course, by employing material having the free end portions it of the vertical strips longer'than necessary, such vertical strips may be cut as necessary to provide the frame of anydesired lesser height or for any selected special design of the top edge thereof as in a military cap, for example, having a fiat top inclined from front to back. On the lower edge of any such frame thus provided, there is stitched a binding tape l6 which not only protects such edge but also prevents any'possible displacement of the vertical strands I2 in addition to retaining the blank against stretching and distortion. I

Since the crown portion of the frame is formed from the extended free end portions-I3 of the pairs of vertical cane strips I2, any desired or selected form of bell crown shape may be readily provided simply by bending such free end portions on an angle as shown in Fig. 4 to form the necessary flare to such crown portion for any selected type of cap. It will be appreciated that the size" of the top of the cap or crown can be made as large or as small as necessary depending on the angle the vertical strips are so bent and thus, if the frame were prepared for a trainmans cap, for example, the sides of the cap would besubstantially straight with little or no angle, while some styles of military and policemens caps would have a decided angle in accordance with present day fashions.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the end portions 13 of the pairs of vertical strips l2 are.

spread slightly apart in the manner illustrated in Fig. 3 to be disposed in, substantial convergent, divergent relation to provide a of appearance and a substantially even, spacing thereof ensuring maximum strength and -dura bility for retaining the original shape of they cap in the crown and top. portion thereofagainst warping, sagging or other distortion.

In any such relation, the top edge of the frame neat, uniformity presented by the extremities of the vertical strands I2 is provided with a binding I! of any suitable character sufficiently strong to maintain the flare and shape of the crown provided in the manner aforesaid. In order to provide for any necessary strength in such a binding, the same is preferably provided to include a reinforcing strip comprising, for example, a wire l8, or the like covered with a suitable material of a width sufficient to provide a portion which may be stitched or otherwise secured to the frame, together with the outer binding tape l l, as illustrated in Fig. 4, and preferably on the inner faces of the vertical strips in order to give the required strength to the upper edge of the frame and otherwise maintain the flare and shape of the crown as represented in Fig. 2. Such a reinforced binding may, of course, be provided in various other ways employing a heavy band of rubber or similar resilient material. In any event, the angle and flare of the crown portion of the frame and the size of cap top subsequently fitted thereto, is governed by the size of the strong, reinforced binding tape IT at the top of the frame. This binding tape otherwise provides a continuous, unbroken, upperedge for the frame such that the top of the cloth cover carried thereby is supported at all points on its circumference rather than at the spaced points of the extremities of the vertical strip portions l3 ,which would be objectionable because an irregular, unsymmetrical appearance would result. Thus, the continuous upper edge on the frame provided by the reinforcing tape l1 ensures an even precise fit of the cover thereon and provides a neat appearing, continuous circumferential edge for the top in the completed form of any cap construction.

From the foregoing it will be understood that the basal band portion of the frame is relatively stiff and rigid due to the interlocked mesh of the pairs of horizontal and vertical cane strips while the crown portion thereof composed of the flared portions l3 of the vertical strips H, is somewhat more flexible but nevertheless provides all the strength and resiliency required for the crown and top of the cap. If desired, the body of the frame may be provided with further reinforcement in the nature of a reinforcing tane l9 secured thereto preferably as shown in Fig. 4, or in the area of the crown itself to rigidify the frame structure as may be necessary or desirable. Said reinforcing tape IQ is shown as one similar to that employed for binding the to ed e of the frame, but it is quite obvious that the same may otherwise be provided as desired of any suitable form of tape or webbing.

It will be understood that in certain methods of manufacture, if desired, the frame mav be finished by a blocking process over a suitable mandrel having, for example, a flaring top andotherwise designed to the specific shape the cap frame is to assumein its finished form. Thus, in the event the blocking is performed by the use of such a mandrel having a flaring top. the blank in the form of a ring is forced upon the mandrel to spread the vertical strip portions I 3 thereof and otherwise cause the same to assume the exact form of the desired shape of frame. Since the blank becomes larger in the crown portion thereof in conforming to the flaring top of the mandrel, the height of the blank is correspondingly decreased such that when the blank is in final form on the mandrel, it will have assumed the correct flare and height of the finished cap frame. When the blocking and customary steaming have been performed, the lower edge may then be pro-. vided with the binding l6, and the reinforcing tapes I! and I9 secured in place to hold the completed cap frame in shape, as aforesaid. If desired, a coating of shellac, weather-proofing paint, or the like, may be applied thereto to render the same more durable and serviceable.

A frame constructed in accordance with the foregoing teachings may be readily embodied in any selected type of uniform cap, and since the weave of the cane frame itself is possessed of a neat, artistic, uniformity of appearance in both the crown and basal portions thereof, either of such portions may remain uncovered in provid-, ing a novel form of uniform cap which not only ensures maximum comfort to the wearer by reason of its lightness in weight, but also provides for the greatest amount of ventilation. as well as allowing for ready circulation of air around and above the head of the wearer. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 1, in one form of the invention, there may be provided a cap which is exceedingly light in weight, strong, durable and admirably suited for use in warm weather, by employing any selected type of covering 20 including top 2!, for only the crown portion l, of the frame, with the basal band portion 2 thereof remaining uncovered such that the maximum ventilation is obtained through the enlarged openings provided by the coarse, interlocked weave of the cane strips, as aforesaid. Such a covering may be either stitched to the frame as at 22 or designed for use without stitching in a manner to be detachable therefrom as when it would be desirable to readily exchange the covering or remove the same from time to tion in which only the ventilated basal portion 2 of the frame is provided with a suitable covering 25, while: the crown portion I defined by the generally conver ent, diver ent extended ort ons H of the pairs of vertical strands is left uncovered to provide the maximum ventilation and circulation of air over and around the head of the wearer. A covering 26 of any selected. material forms the too of the cap the same bein suitably secured at the upper edge of the frame and preferably to the reinforcing tape I! as by st tching 21. The frame itself and the general finished construction of this form of can otherwise is substantially similar to that described with reference to the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive.

Figs. 6 and 7 show further embodiments of the invention directed to cap constructions in which the improved ventilated cane frame is covered with a combination of ventilated braid w is covered with a ventilated braid 3| or the like,

together with a cloth top 32 of the same material as the basal band covering or of a different fabric if desired. The top and the adjacent edge of the ventilated braid are secured to the top edge of the frame and the reinforced binding tape I! as by stitching 33, for example, said braid otherwise being stitched as at 34 together with the cloth covering 36 for the basal band which is also secured at its lower edge as by stitching 35.

In a like manner, as shown in Fig. 7, another embodiment of the invention contemplates the provision of a ventilated braid covering 40 for the basal portion and a cloth covering 4i including a top 42 of the same or differentmaterial for the crown portion of the frame, the same being stitched, for example, substantially in the manner just described with reference to Fig. 6. In both the forms of the invention shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the ventilated cane frame may be practically identical to and finished in substantially the same manner as that described with respect to the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, while in any form of cap con struction, if necessary or desirable, an inner lining of any suitable material may be provided for the selected type of covering which otherwise may, of course, be made from any selected fabric or combination of fabrics.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that in any form of cap, the improved frame construction provided in the manner hereinbefore set forth, ensures proper ventilation above and around the head of the wearer in addition' to being comfortable to wear by reason of its extremely light weight. The cane material thereof, especially in the crown portion, is very resilient and will resume its proper shape after a blow or other crushing strain incidental to the use of articles of this character. At the same time, the cane strands being interwoven in the special interlocked relation aforesaid, provide relatively large ventilating openings in the basal band portion together with ventilating spaces of material area in the crown portion thereof. Such enlarged ventilating openings are especially needed in the basal area particularly adjacent the sweatband, and by the present invention, this is readily accomplished together with due provision for the required rigidity and strength of the cane strands in such basal band area in order to withstand inevitable blows and crushing strains on the frame. In other words, it will be understood that all the required rigidity and strength in the basal band portion of the frame is' provided by reason of the special interlocked relation obtained in the weave of pairs of the the basal band and the ventilating spaces of material area in the crown portion thereof. In this respect, a further advantage is obtained in that such interlocked relation of the strands produced by weaving the same in pairs, prevents any possible displacement thereof either in handling the same. in the manufacture of a cap or when in frequent, everyday use. In addition, by the selection of the particular weave of the improved frame construction of the invention there is provided in any form, an extremely light weight, inexpensive and comfortable cap having a neat, artistic appearance and pleasing design and otherwise capable of retaining its original shape under hard, rough, everydaywear over a long period of use.

And while the invention has been described in detail with specific examples such examples are illustrative only, since it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat other modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention may be constructed without departing from the teachings or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claim are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

In a ventilated cap of the class described, a frame in the form of a substantialring providing basal and crown portions, said frame comprising circumferentially extending pairs of horizontal strands in spaced relation and pairs off-vertical strands in spaced relation, said pairs of horizontal and vertical strands being woven in an,

interlocked mesh to form a substantially rigid basal portion provided with relatively large ventilating openings, said interlocked mesh pre-' venting displacement, of said pairs of. horizontal and vertical strands from their initial formation, said vertical strands including extended portions forming said crown portion, said extended portions being flared to the desired shape K of the cap and being spaced apart in a manner to provide ventilating spaces of material area in.

said crown portion of the frame.

MILTON s. 

